California Bay - Umbellularia californica is hardy to zone 7
Red Bay - Persea borbonia also to zone 7
Notes:
WARNING
Red bay trees in the southeastern United States are dying due to the
accidental introduction of the red bay ambrosia beetle that spreads a
fungal infection called the laurel wilt.
In India, "bay leaf" refers to the cassia tree (Cinnamomum cassia).

All

three of these are in the laurel family. In the West Indies, "bay

leaf"

refers to the bay rum tree (Pimenta racemosa), in the Myrtaceae. Note

that

the unrelated mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), in the Ericaceae,

has

poisonous leaves.
WARNING
Some people get an allergic reaction from contact with the foliage or

the

essential oils of bay laurel. Do not place bay leaves in your mouth -

they

can cut.
Kitty
neIN, Zone 5

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